Following on from our previous article with regard to bathing equipment we realize not everyone’s familiar with bathing their birds.

It is incredibly important that all birds have access to bathing facilities be in a small bowl of water, the kitchen sink, being sprayed with a fine mist or the "human" shower.

It cures irritation that builds up amongst their feathers and is one of the causes for plucking.

Yes that’s right feather plucking doesn’t always mean the bird is bored but they’re merely trying to correct the "itching". Imagine having unreachable aggravations all over your body for hours, it would be enough to drive anyone crazy.

To some, the idea of taking birds in the shower may seem laughable but it’s a great way to spend some quality time with your bird as most love being in the warm, humid shower.

You can also ensure they receive a good bathing. If you have never taken your bird in the shower but would like to give it a go hopefully the following tips will be of use.

It is important to note throughout this recommended process the aim is to get the bird to LOVE the shower. Skipping steps or moving too quickly can scare your bird which will make it incredibly difficult to make any headway.

THE FOLLOWING PROCESS IS NOT TO BE USED WITH A POWER-SHOWER!

• Buy a shower perch as outlined in our previous article. Let the bird sit on the perch without the shower on for a few minutes a day (roughly 2 days) - this will get him/her used to the environment.
• If you’re bird is happy sitting on the perch and not showing any signs of nervousness continue to the next step.
• Run the shower before attempting to put your bird on the perch
• We recommend not getting the bird wet the first 2 - 3 shower attempts. It is a strange environment for a bird so take it very slow.
• Take one of it’s favourite toys…… in with you, preferably something that can be filled with water like a play pot
• Reassure your bird throughout the shower as enthusiastically as you can, make it fun for the bird
• Fill the toy with water and let the bird hold and play with the water, show him/her "It’s ok" and not going to harm them.
• Let your bird watch you take a shower, sing if you like! Your bird will soon come to realize the shower isn’t all bad!
• So now your bird enjoys watching you take a shower and playing with the odd bit of water - well done you for getting this far.
• The time has come to bath your bird, after you’re shower turn the temperature down until it feel tepid-warm on your elbow
• Take the shower head down and hold it up on horizontally to one side of the perch
• Intice your bird to play with the streaming water, more often than not they will choose to test it with their feet, if they instantly pull away the water is either too hot or too cold.
• Once you’re bird is confident with the water he may bath himself, in which case PERFECT hold the shower head above him - it is important not to hold the water directly over the bird’s head - his eyes, ears and nostrils these features aren’t like ours and at no time let him eat or use any soap… not even your head and shoulders!
• If you’re bird is happy playing with water but will not bath himself like my cockatoo you will need to wash him/her yourself. When I say to my cockatoo "wingies" he lifts his wings up in order to be showered under there. He likes to lean on me while I shower him so don’t be scared to get close to your bird.
• Now that the showering is complete you can attempt either a towel or hairdryer.

Remember a clean bird is a happy bird and feather condition will improve. Make showering fun for your bird and you will find the bond with your feathered friend will grow even stronger.